Making a positive first impression
Model Answer
Microsoft Intern Program
When reviewing the model answer, consider the
following questions and critically evaluate your
response:
• How many of the verbal and nonverbal behaviors do you naturally do?
• Which ones do you need to practice developing?
• Who do you know that demonstrates these well that you can learn from?
• How do you think someone meeting you for the first time would describe you? Is
that different to how you want to be perceived?
• What would be the value in demonstrating more of these behaviors?
• How can you get feedback from others to help you determine how to continue to
improve the first impression you make?
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Microsoft Intern Program
Step 1:
Create a list of the verbal and non-verbal behaviors
that contribute to making a positive first
impression:
Verbal Behaviors:
• Form your words clearly
• Use a calm and warm tone
• Use an appropriate volume that demonstrates confidence - not too loud or too
quiet
• Provide a warm response to an introduction (e.g. ‘great to meet you’)
• Repeat the person’s name to help you remember it (e.g. Hi Sharon, I’m Arun)
• Create a conversation that is memorable by adding value to what they are saying,
or offering to help them, or using personal stories to build rapport
• Prepare talking points (find things you have in common through researching the
person ahead of time) as this will help to build rapport and avoid awkward
silences
• Give an appropriate compliment
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Microsoft Intern Program
• Vary your tone to demonstrate enthusiasm and passion for a topic (where
appropriate)
• Ask questions to show genuine interest and that you are listening
• Use positive language
• Give people a reason to listen to you by targeting your communication to their
needs
• Avoid slang
• Avoid ‘filler words’ (e.g. ‘um’, ‘so’, ‘like’)
• Use humor to lighten the mood (if appropriate)
• Take a deep breath before you speak to help relax you if you feel nervous, as this
will calm any wavering of your voice and give you more confidence
• End the interaction by thanking them for their time
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Microsoft Intern Program
Nonverbal behaviors:
• Dress for purpose (check what is appropriate to the situation – never ‘under’
dress)
• Be punctual (or a bit early)
• Smile in an authentic way
• Stand tall with a confident posture (back straight and shoulders relaxed, but not
rigid)
• Sit up straight
• Make eye contact (where culturally appropriate)
o China – eye contact can be seen as a sign of disrespect
o Japan – it is a sign of respect to not make eye contact with someone else,
instead focus on the speaker’s neck to show respect
o Hong Kong – you need to lower your gaze when shaking their hand to
introduce yourself
o Australia – eye contact shows sincerity and trust, so maintain eye contact
o India – use minimal eye contact or avert eyes from opposite gender, when
making eye contact divert your gaze often
• Use a confident handshake where culturally appropriate (not too firm or too limp)
• Put your phone away
• Use appropriate gestures to support your points
• Nod your head in agreement to demonstrate interest
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Microsoft Intern Program
• Keep your arms in an ‘open’ stance (don’t cross them)
• Be aware of if you are blinking too much (this shows you are uncomfortable)
• Take notes (it shows you are interested)
• Read the body language of others – what are they trying to tell you?
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Microsoft Intern Program
Step 2:
Upload a video introducing yourself to Microsoft
focusing on creating a positive first impression. Be
creative if you like! Include whatever you think will
make an impact and reflect your personal brand.
The video needs to be short – maximum length of
two minutes.
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